Head Start Quality Assurance and Monitoring Specialist

Job Summary

The Head Start Quality Assurance and Monitoring Specialist is responsible for supporting program level quality assurance, compliance monitoring and continuous improvement for Head Start operations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct routine quality assurance and monitoring reviews of Head Start operations to assess program compliance, documentation accuracy, child safety practices, service delivery and continuous improvement needs.
• Monitor implementation of program level corrective action plans and track progress toward timely completion.
• Perform site visits and internal monitoring reviews to assess documentation, child files, staffing related compliance records, health and safety practices and service delivery.
• Identify program compliance risks, quality assurance concerns and operational trends. Provide recommendations for corrective or preventive program improvements.
• Prepare program quality assurance summaries, compliance monitoring reports and trend data for review by the Executive Director/Director of Head Start and appropriate leadership.
• Maintain records of program monitoring activities, quality assurance reviews, findings, corrective action tracking and follow-up documentation in compliance with university records, confidentiality and retention requirements.
• Support program related training, coaching and technical assistance to staff on Head Start compliance requirements, documentation standards, active supervision expectations, monitoring protocols, quality assurance expectations and mandated reporting procedures.
• Support ongoing professional development related to child safety, Head Start compliance, documentation quality, active supervision, quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Assist program management with implementing approved policies, procedures and internal controls that strengthen Head Start program compliance and quality assurance.
• Work with Head Start program leadership, site supervisors and content area managers to ensure program compliance expectations, quality assurance standards and monitoring requirements are aligned.
• Participate in internal monitoring meetings, weekly compliance meetings and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Serve as a program-level resource for staff regarding Head Start Performance Standards, documentation expectations, operational procedures, quality assurance practices and monitoring requirements.
• Communicate program monitoring findings professionally and constructively to support compliance improvement, training, corrective action planning and continuous improvement.
• Analyze monitoring data to identify recurring program risks, trends, documentation gaps, safety concerns, quality assurance concerns, or training needs.
• Develop recommendations for system improvements to strengthen Head Start program compliance, improve documentation, reduce risk, enhance quality assurance and prevent future deficiencies.
• Support preparation for federal reviews, audits, licensing visits and internal or external monitoring activities related to Head Start program operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, child safety requirements, active supervision, licensing standards, documentation requirements and quality assurance practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, documentation and records management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and maintain accurate records.
• Strong ethical judgment with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters appropriately.
• Ability to identify program compliance risks and quality assurance concerns and escalate matters through the proper University channels.
• Ability to distinguish between program quality assurance monitoring and employee relations or legal investigations.
• Ability to prepare clear, objective and fact-based documentation.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with Head Start leadership, Human Resources, the Office of Legal and Government Affairs, program staff and external agencies when required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Human Services, Public Administration, Compliance, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in Head Start, early childhood program administration, program monitoring, quality assurance, licensing compliance, or related compliance work.
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, child safety requirements, active supervision expectations, documentation standards, quality assurance practices and monitoring systems.
• Experience in program audits, licensing standards, quality assurance reviews, corrective action tracking or continuous quality improvement systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality, professionalism and sound judgment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequent travel between Head Start centers and program sites.
• Ability to review video footage and documentation for extended periods, consistent with approved access and monitoring protocols.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk and perform routine office and site-monitoring duties.
• Occasional evening or emergency follow-up may be required, particularly for time-sensitive program compliance, child safety, quality assurance, or reporting matters.
• Work is performed in office, classroom, center and program site environments.